Tara Liscombe, Hamden, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2005, and Darren Kramer, WTNH News 8 anchor will ride together on Team Tara Lynne in this year’s Bike MS.
Tara Liscombe didn’t own a bike and hadn’t cycled in years. Yet, when she heard about a two-day bike ride to fundraise for multiple sclerosis, she knew it was another opportunity to make her mark against the disease that threatens to rob her of her mobility.
“I didn’t even think about it, I just knew that I wanted to sign up for it,” shared Tara, laughing, who has since purchased a bike. “It’ll be interesting to say the least but I’m looking forward to it. It’ll be an exciting challenge.”
Tara, Hamden, and her sister, Lauren Morris, Colchester, are preparing to ride in this year’s Bike MS: Cardio Express Ride on August 28-29, at Priam Vineyards, Colchester.
It has been five years since Tara, then a third-year law student, learned she had MS. She was officially diagnosed in Oct. 2005 after experiencing unexplained symptoms for months including numbness and tingling in her extremities, vision problems and partial paralysis in her face.
“When I heard the words ‘multiple sclerosis’, I was shocked and terrified,” she admitted. “After treatment, my major symptoms were alleviated though I still experience fatigue and have coordination and stability issues.”
To those who know her, it was no surprise that Tara, despite her disease, would attempt to ride 50 miles in two days. Since her diagnosis, she has been a dedicated volunteer for the National MS Society, CT Chapter and has led the Team Tara Lynne fundraising team, which raised nearly $4,000 this year, at the annual Travelers Walk MS.
“Tara called me to ask if she could stay with us as she does the ride, since it’s here in Colchester,” shared Lauren. “And my first reaction was to ask, ‘What ride are you doing?’ After I recovered from my shock of hearing about a 50-mile ride, I said I wanted to join her.”
“When you find out your sister has multiple sclerosis, that’s a very hard thing to hear,” detailed Lauren, her voice cracking up as she apologized for crying. “She’s the reason I walk each year and she’s the reason I’m going to do this ride. I would do anything for her.”
“The disease is part of my daily life, but it does not define who I am as a person,” Tara stated. “It has given me the opportunity to enrich my life through working with a wonderful group of individuals toward a common goal.”
News 8 evening anchor Darren Kramer, Madison, was named this year’s grand marshal and will ride with Tara and Lauren on Team Tara Lynne. Darren’s mother-in-law lives with MS and he worked closely with the chapter since 2006.
“Tara is a great gal,” said Darren, “I’m delighted to be saddling up on her team this year.”
If you would like to donate to Team Tara Lynn, please visit www.ctfightsMS.org.
